Calendar for the week of June 24, 2011 more

“How was Israel, Sam?” I get that a lot. And I never really know what to say. But not because I don’t know how Israel was. Rather, I am at a loss for how I could possibly summarize my experience in a few words of small talk. “It was great” falls so short of the mark. more

He spent a decade growing at Kulanu, and as he graduates from its most senior program, Far Rockaway resident Yoni Olenick, 21, recounts the variety of Kulanu options that transformed him to an active and outspoken member of the local Jewish community, an advocate and role model. more

The headlines are blaring and talk radio is shouting of the recent conversion of noted award winning playwright and author David Mamet from political liberal to activist conservative, a rare commodity among the Hollywood elite. more

One of the most ancient tales from the Torah has been created in the newest style of computer-generated animation, forming a three-dimensional world of characters and cities. It’s the combination of old text with modern animation that’s turning heads. “Young Avraham: From the Ancient Stories of the Israelites” is a high quality film that relates the story of Abraham and his quest to prove that G-d is not made of stone and can be discovered through the conscious mind. The film spans the first 75 years of Abraham’s life, revealing a little known story from Medrashic texts. more

Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank likes to write about subjects for which he has a very strong opinion, but very little knowledge. Milbank’s June 17th column, “Joe Lieberman joining Glenn Beck: a shanda” proves Milbank would not know a shanda if one jumped up, kissed him on the lips and wished him a Gut Shabbos. more

After the sudden cancellation of the Yale Initiative for the Interdisciplinary Study of Antisemitism (YIISA) earlier this month, the famed university reversed its decision by launching a revamped initiative on June 20, dubbed the Yale Program for the Study of Anti-Semitism (YPSA). more

They work, raise families, and still want a master’s degree in Jewish education. Starting in September, teachers from seven local schools could have it all without the lengthy commute and tuition, as they enroll in Yeshiva University’s new School Partnership Master’s Program. “I have a family with kids and this is a convenience. It’s every Monday night for four hours,” said Woodmere resident Estee Lightstone, who teaches seventh graders at HANC. more

It is hard to understand how the people of Metropolis can not see that the only difference between Clark Kent and Superman is a pair of glasses. Then again, Superman is a comic book superhero. more

After nearly three weeks of denying, dodging, and finally admitting to texting inappropriate photographs of himself to several women, Congressman Anthony Weiner, 46, announced his resignation today before a packed Brooklyn senior center press conference. more